Incarcerated Women Express Themselves Through Art

The women of the Prison Fellowship Academy™ at the Minnesota Correctional Facility, Shakopee, were asked to each design a poster depicting what they've learned through the Academy classes. They were to specifically address what has impacted them the most, and then discussing these posters in a presentation to the staff.

Participants were given paper, markers, and tape, and the creative liberty to write or draw whatever expressed their thoughts. Here are some of the results.

LAW OF EXPOSURE

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and seek truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin, do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."

Ephesians 4: 25-26

Fruitless deeds of the dark destroy. Healing always takes place in the light.

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR ONE'S NEEDS

[The God of all comfort], who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

2 Corinthians 1:4

Our limits create a spiritual and emotional space. This allows our needs to be heard and understood.

THE BEATITUDES

Blessed are…

The poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; those who mourn, for they will be comforted; the meek, for they will inherit the earth; those who hunger and thirst for righteous, for they will be filled; the merciful, for they will be shown mercy; the pure in heart, for they will see God; the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God; those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:3-10

Prison Fellowship Academy is changing lives through Christ.

THE PRISON FELLOWSHIP ACADEMY

A cornerstone program of Prison Fellowship, the Academy guides participants to identify the life-controlling issues that led to their incarceration and take responsibility for its impact on their community. The Academy specifically targets criminal thinking and behavior, life skills, addictions, victim impact, and prosocial culture change, with the goal of developing prisoners who have leadership potential to serve as positive peer mentors and supporters of constructive prison culture throughout prison systems. Those who complete the program and are preparing for release will have the opportunity to connect to post-release resources and support in metropolitan areas.